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DORCHESTER 



CQBnUHW S2E52©ESA^i 



" Thbroi? among his travels found 
A broken statue on the ground, 
And searching onwards as he went, 
He traced a ruin'd Monument ; 
Mould, moss, and shades had overgrown 
The sculpture of the crumbling stone ; 
Yet, e'er he passM, with much ado, 
He guessed and spelt out SCIPIO."" 



B.OXBTTRY, MASS. 
PRINTED BY THOMAS S. WATTS. 

1826. 



F 



'K 



• Jis-Ji IS" 



/ 






DEDICATION, 



To Rev, Thaddeus Mason Harris, D. D. Pas- 
tor of the First Church in Dorchester, 

Permit me, dear Sir, to inscribe this lit^ 
tie Collection to you, in token of my affec- 
tionate regard, and of my gratitude for the 
benefit I have derived from your preaching. 

I have been your Sexton ever since 
April 1st, 1799, and have attended 810 fu- 
nerals ; 74.5 of which have been in the 
First Parish, and the rest in the other Par- 
ishes, and in South Boston. 

That it may be many years before you, 
or your family may need my services in this 
solemn vocation, is the sincere wish of 

your friend, 

DANIEL DAVENPORT. 

Dorchester, January 1, 1026. 



SPSS? A 



Mr profession as Sexton, has made mo familiar 
with the Burying-Ground ; and I observed several 
very ancient inscriptions on Monuments and Grave- 
Stones, which were becoming illegible from the. 
mouldering effects of time. Being desirous that they 
should be preserved, I have copied them, togeth- 
er with some which I thought curious and inter- 
esting ; and, that others might have the perusal of 
them, I have for a long time purposed to have them 
printed. 1 have arranged them nearly in the order 
of their dates ; and have added some from Grave 
Yards which I have visited in other places. 

I have called the little Book " The Sexton's Mom- 
tor." because, while his work in digging graves 
reminds him of death, the leading of Monumental 
Inscriptions repeats to him the solemn lessons of 
warning ; and because I have ventured myself to give 
some serious and well intended advice. 

I hope that all my readers will excuse any imper- 
fections that they may discover; and remember him 
in their prayers, who, having buried others, must be 
Luried himself, — for, in the words of Job, " If I wait, 
the grave is in mine house." D- B. 

A2 






'. 



»SOT®w mm; 



ADDRESSED TO SEXTONS IN GENERAL. 

My Friends ; — We are called »o bury the dead. A 
serious calling indeed ! It ought to make us very 
thoughtful and considerate. When we dig the grave, 
or prepare the tomb, and toll the mournful bell, or 
lead the solemn procession to the house appointed for 
all the living, and at last cover up the dark abode of 
mortality with earth, and spread the sods of the val- 
ley over it,— we should think that " Death is the end 
of all men, and the living should lay it to heart." And 
we, of all others, must Be very insensible if so often 
called to these funeral services, we are not seriously 
impressed by them. 

Our assistance, also, is needed, and on many occa- 
sions wished for in preference to that of others ; par- 
ticularly for laying out the corpse, and placing it in 
the coffin, and in making the arrangements for the 
funeral, and the interment. Therefore, we ought to 
be sober, and aim so to conduct, as by our helpfulness 
and tenderness, to relieve the feelings of those who 
employ us, and secure their good opinion. 

We ought to pay great attention to the common 
ceremonies of funerals, for the minds of the mourners 
are very tender at such times, and they look for 
indulgence and sympathetic respect ; and we must be 



viii REMARKS. 



V 



careful not to wound or hurt the feelings of any in- 
tentionally. Likewise, we must aim to he punctual * 
and prompt in our attendance ; and not presume to 
dictate and give orders, unless we perceive it to be 
necessary, and expectad of us, but to follow the di- 
rections which are given. 

We should attend the prayer with devout serious- 
ness, that we may have our hearts properly affected 
by the solemn occasion, and that we may be more + 

and better prepared for the committing of dust to dust, 
which we are expected to do with great solemnity. < 

1 need not to say any more, but to wish you all 
temporal and spiritual good ; and as we ere long must 
have some one to commit our lifeless remains to the si~ T 

lent grave, we may be prepared to be laid down there 
in peace, with a well founded hope of a blessed resur-. 
reclion and eternal life. Adieu ! v , 



" Farewell, my friends, I must be gone, 
I have no home nor stay with you ; 

HI take my staff and travel on, 
'Till I a better world can view. 

Til march to Canaan's happy land, 
I'll rest on Canaan's peaceful shore. 

Where real pleasures never end, 
And mortal troubles come no more.'* 



> 



£XTRACT5. ix 

« O lovely appearance of death, 
No sight upon earth is so fair ; 
, Not all the gay pagesnts that breathe, 
Can with a dead body compare." 

« When the vale of death appears, 

Faint and cold this mortal clay ; 
Kind forerunner soothe my fears, 

Light me through the darksome way, 
And break the shades, and usher in eternal day T 

« Think, oh ye, who fondlj languish 
O'er the graves of those you love ; 

While your bosoms throb with anguish, 
They are warbling hymns above." 



THE GARDEN OF GRAVES. 

Come with me to the Garden, 

That sacred spot of earth, 
Where ne'er is heard the airy song, 

Nor the wanton sound of mirth. 

There sleep the Widow and Fatherless^ 

Deep beneath the sod, 
And there the bud of innocence 
Beside " the man of God." 

And there is the grave of beauty, 
The form that was once divine ; 

There grows the weeping willow, 
And the yew-tree shades the shrine. 



EXTRACTS. 

There is the bed of the Lover, 

The cold sod wraps his head ; 
His bower of bliss is changed, 
And all its gay hopes fled. 

And there too sleeps the Tyrant, 
Despoiled of earthly power ; 

His robes of state and grandeur, 
The worms of earth devour. 

But around that lonely garden, 
The Spring of Time yet blooms j 

And fair, though fading blossoms 
Exhale their rich perfumes. 

Then come with me to the garden, 
Where the race of mortals lie 

Like seed that's buried in the earth, 
To grow above the sky. 



<s« 



Dorchester, in Massachusetts, called by the Indi- 
ans Matt&pan, was settled by emigrants from England, 
the beginning of June, 1630. They had two Ministers, 
the Rev- John Warham, and the Rev. John Maverick. 
Most of the first settlers removed, and began a settle- 
ment on Connecticut river, in the latter part of 1635, 
and called the place Windsor, and there Mr. Warham 
died, April 1, 1670. Mr. Maverick died in Boston, 
Feb. 3d, 1636, aged 60. 

A new Church was gathered at Dorchester, August 
23d, 1636, and Rev. Richard Mather was chosen 
teacher. He died April, 22d 1669, aged 73. 

In the latter part of the year 1639, the Rev. Jona- 
than Burr was settled colleague with Mr. Mather, and 
died August 9, 1641, aged 37. 

Rev. John Wilson was ordained as assistant to Mr. 
Mather, in 1649 ; and, after two years, was removed 
to Medfield, where he was Pastor forty years, and died 
August 23d, 1691. 

Rev. Josiah Flint was ordained Dec. 27, 1671 ; and 
died Sept. 16, 1680, aged 35. 



2 MEMORIALS. 

Rev. John Danforth was ordained June 28, 1682 ; 
and died May 26, 1730, aged 78. 

Rev. Jonathan Bowman was ordained Novembers, 
1729 ; continued the pastoral office till December 14, 
1773, and died March 30, 1775, aged 68. 

Rev. Moses Everett was ordained September 28, 
1774 ; continued Pastor until January 14, 1793 ; and 
deceased March 25, 1813, aged 63. 

Rev. Thaddeus Mason Harris, was ordained October 
23d, 1793. 

A Second Church was gathered in the town, Jan- 
uary 1st, 1808 ; and the Rev. John Codman was or- 
dained Pastor, December, 7, 1808. 



A Third Church was gathered in Dorchester 
June 2bth, 1817, and the Rev. Edward Richmond 
installed Pastor. 



THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF THE ELDERS 
AND DEACONS. 

George Minot, was a Ruling Elder for 30 years, and 
died Dec. 24, 1671, aged 78. 

John Wiswall, was Deacon from 1636, and a Ruling 
Elder several years ; but of the time of his death there 
is no account. 

Henry Withington, died Feb. 2d, 1666, aged 79 j 
having been Ruling Elder 29 years. 



MEMORIALS. 3 

James Humphreys, ordained Deacon, June 3d, 1666 ; 
and Ruling Elder, March 13, 1663 ; died May 12, 
1686, aged 78. 

James Blake, ordained Deacon June 30, 1672 ; and 
Ruling Elder March 1,1686; died June 28, 1700, 
aged 77. 

Samuel Clap, ordained Ruling Elder Feb. 3, 1701 ; 
died Oct. 16, 1708, aged 74. 

Samuel Topliff, having been Deacon nine years, 
was ordained Ruling Elder Feb. 3d, 1702 ; and died 
Oct. 16, 1722, aged 77. 

Hopestill Clap, was Deacon seventeen years, and 
Ruling Elder ten years ; and died September 2, 1719, 
aged 72. 

Daniel Preston, chosen Deacon, May 23, 1686, and 
Ruling Elder in the year 1719, died March 13, 1726, 
aged 77. 

DEACONS. 

Edward Clap, died January 8, 1664, having been 
Deacon 26 years. 

Richard Withington, ordained Deacon, March 1, 
1669. 

Nicholas Clap. 

Samuel Clap. 

John Capen, ordained Deacon Feb. 13, 1656, and 
died April 4, 1692, aged 80. 

Daniel Preston, died Nov. 10, 1707, aged 86. 

John Blake, ordained Deacon, Feb. 16, 1717, and 

died March 2, 1718. 
B 



4 MEMORIALS. 

James Blake, ordained Deacon, June 4, 1672, and 
died Oct. 22, 1732, aged 80. 

Jonathan Clap, ordained Deacon, March 1, 1719, 
and died Jan. 2, 1724. 

Hopestill Clap, ordained Deacon May 3, 1723, and 
died Dec. 26, 1759, aged 80. 

Nathaniel Topliff, ordained Deacon May 3, 1723, 
and died Doc. 15, 1751, aged 59. 

Richard Hall, chosen Deacon May 1, 1752, and died 
March 13, 1716, aged TO. 

Abijah White, chosen Deacon Oct. 17, 1756, and 
died Oct. 5, 1804, aged 87. 

Samuel Topliff, chosen Deacon Sept. 1764, and died 
Sept. 18, 1807, aged 79. 

Edward Pierce, chosen Deacon Sept. 28, 1777, and 
died Feb. 20, 1818, aged 83. 

James Humphreys, chosen Deacon Dec. 17, 1799.* 

Ebenezer Clap, chosen Deacon Jan. 8, 1809.* 



Now livingr. 



LIST OF SEVERAL AGED PERSONS WHO HAVE 
DIED IN THE ALMS-HOUSE. 



Joseph Withington 


Jan. 3, 180J, 


aged 79 


Mrs. Thornton 


March 4, " 


" 100 


Rachel Vaughan 


May 24, 1803 


" 64 


Submit Durant 


Sept. 7, " 


" 70 


Sarah Jones 


Nov. 2, " 


" 80 


Abijah Humphreys 


Nov. 19, 1804 


" 73. 



MEMORIALS. 




5 


Ebenezer Withington 


Nov. 14, 1805 . 


aged 86 


Lettice Pierce 


Aug. 3, 180G 


u 


79 


Edward Fairbanks 


Feb. 18, 1807 


;; 


59 


Elijah Jones 


Feb. 7, u 


u 


58 


Patty Kelton 


June 17, " 


U 


53 


Thomas Jones 


Nov. 2, 1808 


c. 


54 


Wid. Humphreys 


Dec. 3, " 


u 


74 


Hannah Parish 


Feb. 9, 1810 


M 


r iG 


John Vaughan 


Sept. 15, « 


u 


84 


Mary Jones 


Dec. 4, « 


u 


84 


Lois Spurr 


March 10, 1811 


it 


45 


Patience Harrison, 


Jan. 13, 1813 


c; 


57 


Mrs^ Morgan 


Sept. 10, 1814 


u 


90 


Elizabeth Whislori 


Oct. 26, " 


u 


53 


Elizabeth EvaDS 


Jan. 20, 1815 


u 


74 


Elizabeth Seaver 


Nov. 4, " 


a 


97 


John Merrifield 


Aug. 25, 1817 


a 


48 


Mordacai Blackwell 


Sept. 18, " 


u 


04 


Mary Withington 


Jan. 22, 1818 


a 


92 


Mr. Jones, (« stranger') 


June 25, " 


U 


55 


William S earls 


Jan. 3, 1819 


a 


51 


Elizabeth Chip 


Jan. 25, 6t 


cc 


60 


Nancy Morgan 


Jan. 17, 1821 


tc 


71 


Thomas Withington 


Feb. 11, « 


u 


88 


Charles King 


March 4, " 


u 


67 


Rhoda Crane 


Oct. 1, 1822 


u 


53 


Jane Williams 


Nov. 24, « 


u 


15 


Mary Wilson 


March 4, 1823 


a 


82 


Abigail Timpson 


July 8, 1824 


U 


65 


Ezra Clap 


Aug. 19, « 


u 


70 


Samuel Merrifield 


Sept. 30, »• 


M 


80 



6 


MEMORIALS. 








John Maxfield 


Oct. 20, " 




a 


84 


Thomas Bird 


Nov. 5, " 




u 


67 


Ebenezer Maxfield 


Dec. 31, 1824 


cc 


82 


Samuel Champney 


Feb. 14, 1825 


c; 


70 


Thomas Davenport 


March 15, 


u 


cc 


55 


Reuben Blake 


June 19, 


u 


a 


61 


Rebecca Davis 


June 20, 


u 


a 


72 


Abigail Trott 


June21, 


U 


cc 


84 


John Withington 


July 10, 


cc 


u 


6Q 


Mary Andrews 


July 11, 


cc 


c; 


65 


John Munro 


Dec. 11, 


ci 


cc 





) 



> 



TABLE 

OF THE NUMBER OF DEATHS ANNUALLY. 

[From 1630, to the end of 1656, the yearly number of deaths 
cannot be ascertained ; probably they did not exceed 5 a year.] 





Number 




Number 




Number 




Numbe r 


Year. 


of 


Year. 


of 


Year. 


of 


Year. 


of 




Deaths. 




Deaths. 




Deaths. 




Deaths 


1657 


17 


1700 


15 


1743 


r: 7 


1786 


25o 


1658 


9 


1701 


19 


1744 


22 


17S7 


29 


1659 


7 


1702 


14 


1745 


26 


17 33 


11 


1660 


6 


1703 


o 
u 


1740 


27 


1789 


16p 


1661 


7 


1704 


12 


1747 


36 


1790 


35 


1662 


5 


1705 


6c 


1748 


28 


1791 


32 


1663 


5 


1706 


10 


1749 


29 


1792 


36? 


1664 


8 


1707 


12 


1750 


37 


1793 


39 


1665 


5 


1703 


14 


1751 o- 


36 


1794 


19r 


1666 


6 


1709 


It 


1752/i 


o) 


1795 


17* 


1667 


7 


1710 


10 


1753 


26 


1796 


22 


1668 


5 


1711 


14 


1754 


18 


1797 


21 


1669 


6 " 


1712 


16 


1 755 


20 


1793 


34 1 


1670 


4 


1718 


13 


1756 


19 


1799 


33 


1671 


5 


1714 


22 


1757 


19 


1800 


41 


1672 




1715 


13 


1753 


18 


1801 


44 


1673 


6 


1710 


10 


1759 


28 


1802 


61tf 


1674 


4 


1717 


15 


1760 


28 


1803 


50w 


1675 


13 


1718 


£3 


1701 


53 


1 804 


53 


1676 


Oo 


1719 


11 


17^2 


26 


18G5 


61 


1677 


12 


1720 


o 


1763 


25 


1 806 


67 


1678 


20 


1721 


12<^ 


17G4 


23 


1807 


38 


1679 


lo 


1722 


14 


1765 


24 


1 808 


56 


1680 


o 
u 


1723 


22 


1766 


on 


1809 


45 


1681 


17 


1/24 


15 


1767 


29 


1810 


45 


1682 


12 


17 25 


13 


1768 


26 


1811 


55 


1683 


19 


1726 


9 


1769 


29 


1012 


43 


1684 


8 


1727 


6 


1770 




1813 


52 


1685 


4 


1723 


10 


1771 


13 


1814 


30 


1686 


m 

t 


1729 


9 


17 7 2 


23 


1815 


37 


1687 


10 


1730 


11 


1773 


24 


1310 


1 CO 


1688 


20 


1731 


16 


1774 


26- ; 


1817 


60 


1689 


13 


1732 e 


19 


1775 


71 j 


1813 


Of) 


1690 


Ofl„ 


1733 


13 


1 7 76 


b6k 


(8!9 


42 


1691 


20 


1734 


15 


177 7 


3 L> I 


1820 


54 


1692 


16 


173"> 


13 


1778 


4'2r>i 


1 oo i 


50 


1693 


17 


1700 


20 


1179 


19 


18 !2 


50 


1694 


12 


1737 


18 


1780 


18 


1823 


,<r> 


1695 


96 


1738 


13 


1781 


13 


1 OS) i 


* J 


169G 


7 


1739 


21 


1 !• OO 

1 1 u- 


17 


1825 


104 


1697 


6 


1740./ 


1 20 


1783 


27 






1698 


7 


1741 


12 


1^84 


25n 






1692 


11 
B2 


1742 


1 10 


1 1785 


13 




\ 



NOTES AND REFERENCES TO THE PRECEDING PAGE. 

(a) In Mr. Blake's Manuscript Annals, is this record, " In my 
Fathers' book there is a memorandum in the account he kept, 
that from the first of April, 1690, unto the first of July, 1691, 
that is one year and four months, there died in Dorchester fifty 
seven persons^ thirty three of them of the Small Pox, the rest 
of a fever, and most of them of a middle age. About the same 
time, (1690.) lost at sea forty six soldiers that went to Canada. 
In all, one hundred and three." 

(6) This year died Mrs. Anne Pierce, widow of Mr. Robert 
Pierce, being 104 years old. 

(c) Feb. 6, 1705, died the widow Wyat, aged 94 ; " having 
as a midwife, assisted at the birth of one thousand, one hundred 
and more children." 

(rf) This year, 1721, the Small Pox went through Boston, 
and it was in twenty nine families in this town, whereof thirteen 
persons died, two of them being strangers." 

(c) In 1732, several aged people died of a prevailing epidem- 
ic cold. 

(f) In 1740. died Mr. John Trescott, aged 90, and his wife 
aged 90. 

(g) In 1751*, twelve persons died between November 22, and 
December 24. 

(Ji) In 1752, several died of an epidemic plurisy and ner- 
vous fever ; twenty in January. 

(i ) In 1774, several aged persons died, viz. one of 95, two 
of 86, one of 85, one of 84, one of 73, one of 62, and one of 58 
years of age. 

(j) In 1775, more aged persons died, viz. one (Mr. Israel 
Leadbetter) of 97, one of 88, one of 86, two of 72, oneof67, and 
one of 64 years of age. This year also, 40 soldiers were buried. 

(fc) In 1776, four died of the Small Pox. 

(J) In 1777, twelve died of the Small Pox. 

(m) In 1778, nine died of the Small Pox. 

(n) In 1784, several aged persons died, viz. one of 87, one o. 
86, one of 84, one of 82. one of 76, one of 73, and one of 72 
years of age. 

(o) In 1786, died one person aged 86, and one 71. 

(/;) In 1789, one person died, aged 90, one 84, and one 75. 

{cf) In 1792, about 600 persons had the Small Pox this year : 
six the natural way, of whom three died, and nine died 0. 
those that had been innoculated. 

(/) In 1794, died one person aged 86, one 83, four 78, and 
one 77. 

(s) In 1795, died one person aged 97, one 88, and two 78. 

(t) In 1798, died aged persons, 85, 83, 81, 78, 71, and 70 ; 
and Mtetn children under three years of age. 

(u) In 1802, aged persons 87, 77, two of 72, one of 71, and 
one of 70. Eight persons died of a malignant fever, six of them 
children 01 Mr. Belcher, between the ages of 14 and 30. 

(r) In 1803, aged persons, 86, 85, two of 80, one of 73, 76, 
55. 74, 70. 



UP TO THE END OF 1825. 



"rom June 1630 to the end of the year 1656, 
being 25 years and 7 months, there died, 

■■ - 100 

perhaps, 

From 1657, to the end of 1825, - - - 39 88 

Whole number ofdeaths since the ) m _ 408 8 

first settlement of the town, ^ 
The present population of the town is by es- 
timation, - - 4342 * 

If this be correct, there are now living in the town, 
254 more than have died out of it, since it was first 
settled. 

In 17P2, the number of inhabitants, was 1722 ; 
and in 1820 the number was 3684; so that in 28 
years, the population lias more than doubled. 

In the last 33 years, (that is since the settlement of 



*This sum is ascertained by the ratio of increase ; that is, 
in 1820, the number of inhabitants was SG84, and, if it doubles 
in 28 years, then in 5 yf.ars there would be an addition of -658. 
More than a hundred children are born in a year in the 
town. In the. year 1796, there were baptized 61, in 1806, there 
were 63 baptized. 



10 RECAPITULATION. 

Dr. Harris,) there have died 1500* — and it is a very 
striking evidence of the increase of population in the 
town, that more than one third of the whole number 
that have deceased out of the town since it was set- 
tled, have died within the last thirty three years. 

For those thirty three years the average number of 
deaths has been about 46 a year. 

The smallest number that died in any one year since 
1793, was 17. This was in 1797; the greatest num- 
ber, before the last year, was 68 ; this was in 1824. 
In the year 1825 there died, 

9 in the Third Parish, 
30 in the Second, and 
65 in the First. 

Making 104 in the whole town. 



*From the beginning of the year 1793, to the end of 1825 
the whole number of deaths, was 1515 ; But Dr. Harris wa* 
settled on the 23d of October 1793, and from that time, to the 
close of the year, 24 died, which number only is taken into the 
above calculation. 



P.ART L 



« Let's talk of Graves, and Worms, and Epitaphs ; 

Make dust our paper, and with rainy eyes 

Write sorrow on the bosom of the earth."-SHAKESPEARE. 



^WTS:^ 



eDtSs 



Q 



I. 

Here lie the bodies of Mr, Barnard Capen, and Mrs. 
Jane Capen, his wife. He died Nov. 3, 1638, aged 
76 years ; and she died March 26, 1653, aged 75 

years. 

II. 
On two children lying in one grave, covered with a 
flat stone, but so broken, that the upper part, which 
probably bore the name of the parents was gone. 
Abel, his offering accepted is ; 
His body to the grave, his soul to bliss. 
On October twenty, and no more, 
In the year sixteen hundred 44. 

Submit submitted to her heavenly king, 
Being a flower of the eternal spring ; 
Near 3 years eld she died in heaven to wait, 
The year was sixteen hundred 48. 

III. 

Taken from a stone which had been broken into 
forty five pieces. 

Here He three Clerks, their accounts are even, 
Entered on earth, carried up to heaven. 



14 EPITAPHS. 

[Note. This is a very ingenious reference to Mer- 
cantile affairs, and the business of a clerk, to enter ac- 
counts in the day book, and carry them up to the Ledger ; 
it is casting up the reckoning for Time, and striking the 
balance for Eternity.] 

IV. 

Submit submitted down to dust, 
Her soul ascends up to the just : 

At near old she did resign, 

Her soul's gone to Christ, year '59. 

V. 

On the Honorable Major General Humphrey Atmer- 
t©n, who died Sept 16, 1661. He was killed by fall- 
ing from his horse on returning from Boston. 

Here lies our Captain and Major of Suffolk was withal, 

A God!) Magistrate was he, and Major General. 

Two troops of horse with him here came, such worth his love did 

crave, 
Ten companies of foot also, mourning marched to Ms grave ; 
Let all that read be sure to keep the faith as he has done ; 
With Christ he lives now crownM, his name was Humphrey 

Atherton. 

VI. 
D. O. M. Sacer. 
Riciiardus hie dormit Mathf.rvs. 
(Sed non totus, nee mora diuturna ) 

Laetatus genuise pares. 
Incertum est utrum Doctior an Melior. 
Animura ct gloria non quaeunt humari. 

Divinely rich and learned PacHARD Mather, 

Sons like him, prophets great, rejoie'd this father. 



EPITAPHS. 15 

Short time his sleeping dust's here's covered down 
Not so his ascended spirit or renown. 
V. P. M. in Angl. XVI annos. In Dor. N. A. 34 an. 
Ob. Apr. 22, 1669 ; Otatis suae 73. 

[The following lines were composed for him.] 
Richard Mather : anagram, « a third charmer,*' 
Third in New-England's Dorchester 
Was this ordained Minister ; 
Second to none for fruitfulness 
Abilities and usefulness. 
Divine his charms, years seven times seven : 
Wise to win souls from earth to heaven. 
Prophets' reward he gains above 
But great's our loss by his remove. 
Sacred to God his servant Richard Mather, 
Sons like him good and great did call him father ; 
Hard to discern the difference in degree, 
'Twixt his bright learning and high piety. 
Short time his slumbering dust lies covered down, 
So can't his soul, nor his deserv'd renown. 
From his birth six lustres and a jubilee 
To his repose : hut labour'd hard in thee 
O Dorchester, for more than thirty years 
His sacred dust with thee thine honour bears. 

VII. 

[On an ancient School Master in Dorchester, who 
died Feb. 24, 1674 ; aged 81. Written by himself.] 

WILLIAM POLE. 
Ho Passenger! its worth thy pains to stay, 
And take a dead man's lesson by the way. 

c 



10 



EPITAPHS. 



I was what now thou art, and thou shalt he 
What I am now, what odds 'twixt me and thee. 
Now go thy way, but stay, take one word more, 
Thy staff, for ought thou knowst, stands nest the door 
Death is the door, the door of heaven or hell : — 
!Je warn'd, be arm'd, believe, repent, Farewell ! ] 

VIII. 

John Cornel, aged 64 years, died July 31, 1G75. 

IX. 



Els Leke 
aged 80 years 
deceased Oct. 20. 



Thomas Leke 
aged 70 years 
deceased Oct. 27 



1678. 

X. 
Rev. Josiah Flint, died September 15, 1680, aged 35. 

A man of God he was, so great and good, 
His brightest worth was hardly understood. 
So much of God and Christ in him did dwell, 
In grace and holiness he did excel. 
An honor and an ornament hereby 
Both to the Churches and the Ministry. 
Most zealous in the work of reformation 
To save this self-destroying generation. 
With courage strove 'gainst all this peoples sin, 
He spent his strength, his life, his soul therein. 
Consumed with holy zeal for God, for whom 
He lived and died a kind of Martyrdom. 

If men will not lament, their hearts not break, 
No wonder this lamenting stone doth speak. 



EPITAPHS. 17 

His tomb-stone cries repent, and souls to saye 
Doth preach repentence from his very grave. 
Gainst sinners doth a lasting record lie 
This monument to his blest memory. 

Psal. cxii, 6. Prov. x, 7. 

XI. 

The ingenious Mathematician and Printer, Mr. John 
Foster, aged 33, died Sept. 9, 1681. 

Astra colis vivens, morienssuperae thera Foster 
Scande precor, ccelum m^tiri disce supremum ; 
Metier atque meum est, emit mihi dives Jesus, 
JN"ec tenior quicquam nisi grates solvere. 

[On the foot stone was this inscription.] 

" Ars illi sua census erat." — Ovid. 

Skill was his cash. 

XII 

Miss Mary Bradlay, aged 17, died March 8, 1684. 

XII. 

Mr. Nathan Breadley, aged 70, died July 26, 1701. 

XIV. 

In memory of Mrs. Ann, the wife of Mr. Robert 

Pierce, died December the 31, 1695, aged about 

104 years. 

XV. 

Mrs. Thankful Baker, relict of Mr. John Baker, 
aged 58 years, deceased the 29th of January 1697 — 8, 

XVI. 
Elder James Humphreys, who died May 12, 1686, aged 78. 

Inclosed within this shrine is sacred dust, 

And only waits for the rising of the just. 



18 EPITAPHS. 

Most useful while he lived ; adorned his station, 
Even to old age he serv'd his generation : 
Since his death thought of with great veneration. 

How great a blessing this Ruling Eider he 
Unto the Church and Town and Pastors three. 
Mather he first did by him help receive ; 
Flint he did next of burdens much relieve ; 
Renowned Danforth he did help with skill. 
Esteemed high by all ; — bear fruit until 
Yielding to death his glorious seat did till.* 

XVII. 

Gulielmus Stoughtonus, armiger 

Provincial Massachusettensis in Nova Anglia Legatus, 

tjeinde Gubernator ; 

Nec-non Curiae in eadem Provincia Superioris 

Justiciarius Capitalis, 

Hie jacet. 
Vir conjugii nescius, 
Religion e sanctus, 

Virtute clarus, 
Doctrina Celebris, 
Ingenio acutus, 
Sanguine et animo pariter illustris j 
iEquatatis aaaator, 
Legum propugnator, 
Collegii Stoughtoniani fundator, 
Literarum et Literatorum fautor, celeberrimus, 
Impietatis et vitii hostis acerrimus. 
Hunc Rhetores amant facundum, 

*\ote. The initial letters make an Accrostic on his name. 



EPITAPHS. *19 

Hunc Scriptores norunt elegantem, 
Hunc Philosophi qtixrunt sapientem, 
Hunc Doctores laudunt theologum, 
Hunc Pii venerantur austerum, 
Hunc omnes mirantur ! omnibus ignotum 

Omnibus licet notum. 

Quid plura viator ? Quern perdidimus — 

Stoughtonum 1 

lieu ! 

Satis dixi ; urgent lachrymae ; 

Sileo. 

Vixit annos septuaginta. 

Septimo die Julii Anno Salutis 1701 

Cecidit. 

Heu ! Heu I Qualis Luctus ! 

XVIII. 

[Copied from a grave stone on the north westerly 
part of the first laid out burying ground/] 
Mrs. Mieiam Wood 
formerly wife of Mr. John Wood. 
who died October 19, 1706. 
An ancient School Mistress. 
A woman well beloved of all 
Her neighbours for her care of small 
Folks education, their numbers being great, 
That when she died she scarcely left her mate. 
So wise, discreet was her behaviours 
That she was well esteemed by neighbors. 
She lived in love with all to die, 
So let her rest to eternity. 

G2 



$0 EPITAPHS. 

XIX. 

[On Deacon James Blake. Note. — " He languished 
about seven years with an ulcerous leg, very painful, 
but at last died with an epidemic cold, which carried 
off many aged people.] 

Seven years strong pain do end at last, 

His weary days and nights are past. 

The way was rough, the end is peace ; 

Short pain give place to endless ease. 

XX. 

On Elder Hopestill Clap who deceased September 
2d, 1719, aged 72. 

His dust waits till the Jubilee 
Then shall shine brighter than the sky; 
Shall meet and join to part no more. 
His soul that's glorified before. 

Pastors and Churches happy be 
With Ruling Elders such as lie ; 
Present useful, absent wanted, 
Lived desired, and died lamented. 

XXI. 

Here lien interred the bodj of Mr. Jonathan Mason, 

late of St. Christophers. He was the third son of Mr. 

Arthur, and Mrs. Joanna Mason, of Boston. He died at 

Stouguton house May 9th, 1723, in the 47th yearol his 

age. 

XXII. 

Here lieth the body of William Royal of North Yar- 
mouth in the Province of Maine, who departed this 
life November the 7th, 1724, in the 85th year of 
his age, 



EPITAPHS. 21 

This stone is erected to the pious memory of his Fa- 
ther by his eldest son Isaac, as the last act of a duti- 
ful remembrance. 

Here lies the body of the Honourable Isaac Royal, 
Esq. who departed this life at his seat in Charlestons, 
June the 7th, Anno Domini, 1739, Mtntia 67. He was 
a gentleman of superior natural powers, and great ac= 
quired knowledge ; Civil, affaMe, courteous, and just 
to all men; remarkably dutiful to his parents, kind to 
his relations, and charitable to the poor. He was a 
faithful husband, a tender father, a kind master, and a 
true friend. He delighted in doing good. He was 
highly esteemed and respected during his residence at 
Antigua, which was near 40 year«, and advanced to the 
most honorable and important public enrployments civ- 
il and military, which he discharged with the highest 
reputation and fidelity. He returned with his Family 
to New England, his native Country, July 27th, 1737. 

XXIII. 

Here lies the body of Mr. Hezekiah Meroth,* who 
died March 1G, 1749, aged 74. 

XXIV. 

In memory of William Marion, son of Mr. William 
and Mrs. Thankful Manon. He died December 11th, 
1750, aged 3 years and 3 days. 

XXV. 

lr memory of Mr. James Baker, who died Nov. 18, 
1776, Hged 64. 

Preserve O grate inviolate thy tnist. 
Till life divine reanimates this dust. 



*The name is now sptit Muurce* 



22 EPITAPHS. 

XXVI. 
Capt. Abraham Wheeler, died June 20, 1778, aged 43, 
How loved, how valued once, avails thee not, 
To whom related, or by whom begot. 

XXVII. 

Thomas Clap, son of Mr. Ezra and Mrs. Mary Clap, 
died August 3, 178G ; being still born. * 

XXVIII. 

Mr Isaac Fenno, aged 33, died 1796. 

O life, frail offering of a day, > 

'Tis puff'd with one short gasp away. 
Swift as the short-lived flower it flies, 
It springs, it blooms, it fades, it dies. 

XXIX. 

F^om the grave stone of Mr. Thomas Clap, who died 
August 11, 1798 ; aged 84. 

c; Ho supplied the office of Sexton from the year 
1760 to 1797, making thirty seven years ; and buried 
in that time 1080 persons." 1 * f 



*This is shewn by the foregoing Table of deaths ; but must 
include also the soldier^ buried in 1775. 

XXX. 

Taken fro m the grave stone of a child of Mr Solo- 
mon and Mrs. Rachaf.l Hall, aged 10 months, died 1803. 
Parents of children take a last adieu, 
And so must children ol their parents too. 



p./mT n. 

Consisting of Epitaphs and Inscriptions, eopicd by 
myself from stones in several grave yards in different towns- 



11 And now each humble, narrow, nameless bed 
Whose grassy hillock not in vain appeals 

To eyes that pass by Epitaphs unread, 
Rises to view. — How still the dwelling of the dead I 

It is a scene that well may call me back, 
If any could, to solemn, tender themes : 

Let me then once more turn me to the track 
My thoughts were journeying : it is one that teems 
With truths of high import, — not baseless dreams.'" 

Bernard Barton's Poems, p. 68. 
Meditations in a Church Yard* 



PART II. 



[Taken from Newbury burying- ground April 23d, 
1821, when employed to convey the body oF Captain 
Isaac Green Pierson to Newburyport.] 

Mr. Henry Sew all, (sent by Mr. Henry Sew all, his 
father,) in the ship Eliza and Dorcas, Capt. Watts 
Commander, arrived at Boston 1634, wintered at Ips- 
wich, began this Plantation 1635, furnishing English 
servants, neat cattle and provisions ; married Miss Jnne 
Plummer, March 25, 1646 ; died May Lii^ 1700, 
aged 86. 

His fruitful vine being thus disjoined 
Fell to the ground Jan. 13, following. 

NEWBURYPORT. 
Here lies the body of Nicholas Pike, A. M. aged 
76. x\cting Magistrate from July 4. 1776, to the 
vear 1819. 

ROWLEY. 

Here lies the body of Deacon Joseph Chaplin, food 
for worms till the glorious resurrection morning. 
Born 1752, died 1813. 

MILTON. 
In memory of Mr. Jazaniah Sumner, who died May, 
6, 1778, aged 66. Also his wife, Mrs. Judith Sumner, 
who died Nov. 15, 1799, aged 68. 

So sleep the saints, and cease to groan, 
When sin and death have done their worst, 



26 EPITAPHS. 

Christ hath a glory like his own, 

Which waits to clothe their waking dust. 

II. 

Miss Mary McCarney died Jan. 4, 1791, aged 2~0 
years. 

I sleep in darkness till that glorious day 
When Christ my life shall roll the stone away ; 
Prepare to meet me in the world above, 
Where all shall join to sing redeeming love. 

III. 
Here lieth Deacon Roger Sumner, aged 66 years ; 
died May £6, 1691. 

IV. 
Here lies the body of Mrs. Mary Watt, the wife of 
Mr. Edward Wayt, aged 92, died Feb. 6, 1705. 

V. 

As corn maturely ripe is gathered home, 
So his remains are brought into the tomb ; 
To sieep in silence till that glorious day, 
When Christ his life shall role the stone away. 

ROXBURY, Jamaica Plains. 
I. 
Mr. David White, aged 70, died 1816. 
Death is a debt which I have paid ; 
And soon with me you must be laid. 

IT. 

On Mrs. Mary Lethbridge, aged 32.— 1818. 

How blest the change to give a world like this, 
Fer robes of glory, and a crown of bliss. 



EPITAPH?. * 7 



HI. 

On Mr. Gulliver Winchester, aged 79, died 1811. 
This modest stone, what few vain marbles can, 
With truth may say, here lies an honest man. 

IV. 

On Mr. George Woods, who died 1815, aged 73. 
Deprived of health, though e'er so long, 
His patience good, his faith was strong. 

V. 

On Miss Sarah Sturtevant, aged 5 years ; 1791. 
And is the infant snatched away ? 
Must all this beauty now decay ? 
Must it no more delight our eyes, 
Nor fill our souls with fond surprise. 

V. 

Mary Wood, aged 5, died 1795. 

Just like a flower she was cut down, 

While reason began to bud, 
She early felt the stroke of death, 
It was the will of God. 

[From the Burying Ground in BOSTON, near the 
Old Granary.] 

On a tomb stone. 

Mr Samuel ToRREY.died Sept. 6, 1748, aged 7o. 
Mr. Samuel Torrey, died July 15, 1766, aged 68. 
Mr. Samuel Torrey, died Nov. 13; 1708, aged 42. 
Mr. Samuel Torrey, died May 27, 1815, aged 57. 

D 



28 EPIT/\PIIS. 

II. 

Here lieth the body of Anna Sarch, the wife of Mr. 
John Sarch, aged 85, died May 11, 1674. 

IIF. 
Here lieth buried the body of Mr. John Wiswall, 
servant of Jesus Christ, Elder of the first Church in 
Boston, aged 86 years : departed this life the 17th 
day of August, A. D. 1687. 

IV. 
Mr. John Downing, aged about 53 years, deceased 
April 29, 1694. 

I bargained with Christ for room below, 
He grants me a mansion in his upper story, 
Thus God gives more than we ask or know, 
And instead of grace, uninterrupted glory. 

V. 

Here lies Richard Bellingham, Esq. late Governor 
of the Colony of Massachusetts, who departed this life 
on the 11th day of Dec. 1672, in the 81st year of 
his age. 

Virtue's fast friend within this tomb doth lie, 

A foe to bribes, but rich in charity. 

[The Bellingham Family being extinct, the Select- 
men of Boston, in the year 1782, assigned this tomb 
to James Sullivan, Esq. 

The remains of Governor Bellingham are here pre- 
served, and the above inscription is restored from the 
acient monument.] » 

The family tomb of James Sullivan, Esq. late Gov- 
ernor and Commander in Chief of the Commonweatlh 



EPITAPHS. 29 

of Massachusetts, who departed this life on the 10th of 
December, A. D. 1808, aged C4 years. His rfcmnina 
are here deposited. During a life of remarkable in- 
dustry, activity and usefulness ; amidst public and pri- 
vate contemporaneous avocations, uncommonly various, 
he was distinguishd for zeal, intelligence and fidelity. 
Public spirited, benevolent, and social, he was emin- 
ently beloved as a man, eminently esteemed as a citi- 
zen, and eminently respected as a magistrate. 

Huic versatile ingenium, sic pariter ad omnia fuir, 
ut natum ad id unum diceres, quod cunque ageret. 

[From the North Burying ground in Boston.] 

I 
Here lieth buried the body of Mr. John Sweet, aged 
82 ; died 25th of April, 1685. 

II. 
Here lieth the body of Edward Grant, aged about 
60, deceased the 12th of June, 1630. 

III. 
Mrs. Ann McMillian, wifeto Mr. James McMillian, 
deceased Feb. 28, 1805, aged 81. 

Happy soul, thy days are ended, 

All thy mourning days below ; 
Go, by angel guards attended, 
To the sight of Jesus go. 

IV. 

A Samuel returned to God 
In Christ after a short abode, 



30 EPITAPHS. 

On earth to shun earth's henious crimes, 
Was here well put to bed betimes. . 
The grave's as short as thou prepares, 
Lest thy death comes at unawares. 

V. 

Mary the wife of Cjesar Augustus, servant of Mr. 
Thomas Ball, aged 25. 

[From a tomb stone.] 

The Rev. Doctors Increase, Cotton, and Samuel Ma- 
ther, were interred in this vault. 

5 Tis the tomb of our fathers. H. Mather Crocker. 
Increase died April 27, 1723, aged 84. Cotton died 
February 13, 1727, aged 65. Samuel died June 27, 
1785, aged 79. 

Hodie mihi, eras tibi. 

VI. 
Here lies buried the body oi Mr. Obadiah Gill, dea- 
con of the North Church in Boston, aged 50, deceas- 
ed June 6, 1700. 

VII. 

Mrs. Lydia Mason, died 30th Dec. 1803, aged 29. 
Her peaceful soul has (led, / 

From this vain world of sin ; 
"With her two infants dear are laid, 

Soon to rise, never to fall again. 

VIII. 

[From a tomb stone.] 

Charles Jarvis died Nov. 1 5, 1 807, aged 59 years. 
A Physician, a Statesman, a Patriot, and an honest 



EPITAPHS. 31 

man ; whose dignified deportment, sublime eloquence, 
unbounded philanthropy, and other virtues, endeared 
his memory to his fellow citizens. 

IX. 

Mr. Edward Barber, aged 80, June 9, 1677. 

X. 

Thomas, son of Edward and Martha Carnes, was ac- 
cidentally killed Dec. 22, 1818, aged 5 years. 

Many are the shapes of death, and many are the 
ways that lead to his grim cave. All dismal. 

XI. 

William Francis, of Connecticut, died June 26th, 
1804, aged 20. 

Like flowery fields youth blooming stands, 

Pleased with the morning light; 
The flowers, beneath the mowers hands 
Lie withering ere 'tis night. 

XII. 

Mrs. Alice, relict of Lieutenant William Howard, 
aged 72, deceased Nov. 18, 1681. 

XU1. 
Mr. Robert Fowle, died May 6, 1805, aged 63. 
Death thou hast conquered me, 

And by thy dart I'm slain ; 
But Christ hath conquered thee, 
And I shall rise again. 

XIV. 

Here rests the body of Mr. John Buckley, Jun. of 
D2 



- 



3*2 EPITAPHS, # 

Saddleworth, near Manchester, Old England, who de- 
ceased 23d August 1798, aged 23. 

In peace here rests a traveller's dust, 

His journey's at an end; 
He prized esteem amongst the just, ^ 

A censure from a friend. 

Broke loose from Time's tenacious chains, 

And earth's revolving gloom ; 
To range at large in vast domains 

Of radiant worlds to come. 

ROXBURY, East Burying Ground. 
I. 
Taken from a grave stone, removed from the place 
where ft stood, and piled with several others, and 
which measured five inches in thickness. 

Samuel Dunkin, aged 6 w. died 23, 10th M. 1G72. 



x 



II. 

In memory of Edward Devotion, aged about 64 
years; died Sept. 28, 1685. 

in. 

On two children of Mr. Otis and Mrs. Ruth Gould, 
one died in 1799, and the other in 1807. \ 

Farewell, sweet babes and take your rest, 
God called you home, he thought it best. 

IV. 

On Mr. Benjamin Thomson. 4 

Sub spe immortali ; The herse of Mr. Benjamin 
Thomson, learned School master and Physician, and 
the renowned poet of New England. Obiit Aprilis * 

t 

1 

I 
I 



EPITAPHS. 33 

13, Anno Domini, 1714, et aetatis, suge 74. Mortuus 

sed immortalis. 

V. 

Mary, the daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth 

Thomson, aged one year and six months 13 d. Died 

Sept. 10, 1716. 

VI. 

On Mrs. Elizabeth Clafton, aged 20, died 1814. 

When on her dying countenance was seen 

A smile, the index of a soul serene. 

VII- 

Here lies buried the body of the Rev. Shearjashub 
Bourne, late minister of the first Parish in Scituate, 
and son of the Hon. Melatiah Bourne, Esq. of Sandwich, 
who died 14th August, 1768, ae.t. 69. 

Cautions himself, he others ne er deceived, 
Lived as he taught, and taught as he believed. 

CONCORD. 
[Furnished to me by a young man, a relative, who 
resided at Concord.] 

God wills us free ; Man wills us slaves. I will as 
God wills, God's will be done. 

Here lies the body of John Jack, a native of Africa, 
who died March, 1773. aged about 60 years. Though 
born in a land of slavery, he was horn free ; though he 
lived in a land of liberty, he lived a slave, till by his 
honest, thongh stolen labours, he acquired the source of 
slavery, which gave him his freedom, though not long 
before his death. The grand tyrant gave him his final 
emancipation, and set him on a footing with kings. — 



« 



34 EPITAPHS. 

Though a slave to vice, he practised those virtues 
without which kings are but slaves. 

QUINCY. 
I. 

Here lies the body of the Rev. Mr. Henry Flynt, 
who came to New England in the year 1635, was or- 
dained the first Teacher of the Church of Braintry 1639? 
and died 27th April, 1663. He had the character ofa 
gentleman remarkable for his piety, learning, wisdom, 
and fidelity in his office. | 

By him, on his right hand, lies the body of Margery, ' 
his beloved cousort, who died March 1686 — 7. Her 
maiden name was Hoar. She was a gentlewoman of 
piety, prudence, and peculiarly accomplished for in- 
structing young gentlewomen, many being sent to her 
from other towns, especially from Boston. 

Descendants of goodly families in Old England. 

i 

II. 

Ilerr lies buried the body of Joanna Quincy, the wife 
of Mr. Edmund Quincy, aged 55, died 16th May, 1680. 

111. I 

[Inscription on the monumental stone to the memory 
of the Rev. Moses Fiske, of Brantree, who was ordain- 
ed 11th Sept. 1672, and died 10th of August, 1708, x 
in his 66th year.] 

Braintree, thy prophet's gone ; this tomb inters 
The Reverend Moses Fiske his sacred herse. 
Adore heaven's praiseful art that formed the man, 
Who souls, not to himself, but Christ oft wan ; 
Sailed through the straits with Peter's family, 



EPITAPHS. 35 

Renowned, and Gains' hospitality ; 

Paul's patience, James 1 prudence, John'? swe^t love, 

Is landed, entered, cleared, and crowned above. 

IV. 

Inscription on the Monument of the ever revered 
,-md learned Leonakd Hoar, D. P.I. and sometime Presi- 
dent of Harvard College, who died Nov. 28, 1675, 
aged 45. 

Three precious friends under this tombstone lie. 
Patterns to aged, 3011th, and infancy, 
A great mother, her learned son, vvith's child, 
The first and least went free, He was exiled. 1 
In love to Christ, this country, and dear friends, 
He left his own, crossed seas, and for amends. 
Was here extolled, envied, all in a breath, 
His noble consort leaves, is drawn to death. 
Strange changes may befall us ere we die, 
Blest they who well arrive at eternity. 
God grant some names, O thou New England's friend, 
Don't sooner fade than thine, if time's don't mend. 

His aged and pious relict, the late Madam Usher, was 
brought hither from Boston, and interred in the same 
grave, according to her desire, May 30, 1723. 

V. 

Sacred to the memory of Josiah Quincy, jun. of Bos- 
ton, Barrister at Law, youngest son of Josiah Quincy, 
Esq. late of this place. Brilliant talents, uncommon 
eloquence, and indefatigable application raided him to 
the highest eminence in his profession. His early, en- 
lightened, inflexible attachment to the cause of his 



36 EPITAPHS. 

country is attested by monuments more durable than 
this, and transmitted to posterity by well known pro- 
duction? of his genius. 

He was born the 123d of February 1714, and died the 
26th of April, 1775. His mortal remains are here de- 
posited with those of A big-ail, his wife, daughter of 
William Phillips, Esq. born the Mlh of April, 1715, 
died the 25th March 1793. 

Stranger, in contemplating this monument as the frail 
tribute of filial gratitude and affection ; 

Glows thy bold breast with patriotic flame ? 

Let his example point the path? of fame ! 

Or seeks thy heart, averse from public strife, 

The milder graces of domestic life ? 

Her kindred virtues let thy soul revere, 

And o'er the best of mothers drop a tear ! 

[On the other side of this monument is this inscription.] 

Josiah Quincy, jun. Esq. born 23d Feb. 1744, died 
26th April, 1775. 

Abigail Quincy, born 11th April 1745, died 25th 
March, 1793. 

To their united and beloved memory, this monument 
was erected by their only surviving child, 1802. 

VII. 

On Dr. Benjamin Vinton, aged 38.— 1813. 
No pains, no grief, no anxious fear, 

Invade thy bounds ; no mortal woes 

Can reach the peaceful sleeper here, 

Whilst angels watch his soft reposec 






t 



EPITAPHS. 37 

VIII. 

Mrs. Mary Brackett, aged 70, died 1805. 
Sleep here awhile concealed in earth, 
'Till the glad spring of nature's second birth ; 
Then quit the transient winter of the tomb, 
To rise and flourish in immortal bloom. 

IX. 

Sacred to the memory of Master Ichabod Johnson-, a 
celebrated teacher of music, who died 5th August, 
1307, aged 42 years. 

And let this feeble body fail, 

And let it faint and die ; 
My soul shall quit this mournful vale, 

And soar to worlds on high ; 
Shall join the disembodied saints, 

And find its long sought rest, 
That only Miss for which it pants 
In the Redeemer's breast. 






33 REFLECTION?. 



CONCLUDING REFLECTIONS, 



44 When I look upon the tombs of the great, every 
motion of pnvy dies within me. When I read the Ep- 
itaphs of the beautiful, every inordinate desire goes 
out. When I meet with the grief of parents on a tomb 
stone, mv heart melts with compassion. When I see 
the tombs of parents themselves, I consider the vanity 
of grieving for those whom we must quickly follow. 
When I see rivals placed side by side on the same low 
level, and those that divided the world by their con- 
tests and disputes, now humble and peaceable, — I re- 
flect with sorrow and astonishment on the little com- *- 
petitions, factions and debates of mankind. When I 
read the several dates on the tombs, of some that died 
as yesterday, and some centuries a^o, I consider that 
great day, when we shall all of us be contemporaries, 
and make our appearance together." 



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6' ^ 










^ o *0 -v 




c ♦ 



^O 1 









DOBBS BROS. 



*b 



LIBRARY BINDING 



ST. AUGUSTINE 



mSm fla. 



g^32084 




LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




